Page 28 of Deprived No More

“What? Hell no.” I gaze up to see the stunned expression of the bartender now standing directly in front of me. “Oh, sorry,” I blurt realizing he’s holding my much needed scotch. “May I have a glass of water with the burger?”

“Certainly, sir.”

“Bas, I’d never cheat on anyone, especially not Kat. That girl is it for me. I have no interest in other women.”

“So, is there an overpriced sports car in the parking lot? If so, you can afford it. What’s the big deal? Live a little.”

“No. It’s nothing like that. I’m just frustrated. I work hard but feel like the new hand guy with the practice is making me become unhinged. He won’t take calls like any other new partner, and the hospital fawns over him like he’s a rockstar. Then after a stressful day at work, I go home, and it’s so chaotic there I can’t get a moment to relax with my wife. The ER calls her into work, and I have to take off and reschedule my patients to watch the kids. I feel like my life is a shitshow right now.”

Taking a sip of the amber liquid in my glass, I sit back and enjoy the burn as it travels down my throat. The heat causes my chest to relax. My shoulders start to pull down from my ears, where they’ve been residing all week. I’m suddenly aware of the silence and turn to Sebastian. “Well, you’re no help.”

“Nick. I’m not sure I’m the best person for you to confide in about this.”

He’s probably right. Bas never wanted to marry and have kids. He probably can’t relate to why I have four and am now surprised my life is in turmoil.

“And not for the reasons you might think. I’m jealous of all that you and Katarina have. You’re healthy and have a great relationship. Fuck, man. That girl adores you. Despite the odds, you have four amazing kids. What’s more, you have the ability to really care for them. Have you talked to Kat about this?”

“Not in so many words.” I lift a hand in thanks to the server who brings my burger and water to the bar, lifting it to inhale a large bite of the succulent food. My thoughts turn to Kat, preparing a dish for one. Instantly, it feels as if the burger and fries have come with a side of self-reproach. She didn’t deserve my cold shoulder tonight. None of this was her fault. Placing the sandwich back on the plate, I wash down my food with a large gulp of water, hoping I can push it past the lump growing in my throat.

“Nick. I’m not sure what’s happening with you, but life’s too short. Find some help with the kids. Even if it’s just a few days a week so the two of you can have uninterrupted time together. Maybe then, if something happens with Kat’s schedule, you’ll have a backup plan so it doesn’t spill onto your work.”

Embarrassed, I finally come clean. “Yeah, that was all my doing. Kat was going to come home and take the kids to school. I didn’t need to pull them out. I just didn’t like the thought of her staying in the bungalow without me. But in hindsight, it probably worked out just as well since the kids all came down with a stomach bug.” I take another sip of scotch and try to regain the calm I felt earlier.

“First, I wouldn’t lose any more time thinking about Knight.”

Looking at Bas, I’m shocked he knows who I’m talking about. I didn’t think he followed this stuff anymore since he’s no longer at St. Luke’s.

“Don’t be envious of him. He’s at a different stage of his career than you are. It’s better to use your energy on things you can control.”

“I’m not jealous of that guy,” I huff.

Sebastian doesn’t bother responding to my retort. “Second, I’d look into some help with the kids. It sounds like you’re pining for Kat. I get it. If I was married to her, I would be too.”

Glancing in his direction, he gives me a wink over his highball glass. I have no doubt countless men would be lining up to take a chance with Kat if she were still single. He’s right. We’re very lucky. Kat’s amazing, and I do not doubt her love for me. Most men would die to have a wife like mine and not just because of her looks. She’s the whole package.

“Besides, you have tons of help waiting in the wings that I bet you haven’t tapped into.”

Pushing down another thick, flavorless bite of this shameful sandwich I ordered, I give him a questioning glance.

“Nick, you two have friends and family galore. Any one of them would be willing to help with the kids once in a while. Her parents, her sister, or even Gavin. God, I miss that kid. I bet he’d be willing to watch them for you. And if all else fails, send them over to my place. Hell, I’ll get Sam to watch them.”

“You’re irresponsible brother? What makes you think he’d be willing to watch them? Or that I’d let him?”

“He needs to get a dose of reality.” He lifts his glass to his lips and takes another sip. “If he knocks up any one of the women he’s dating, he could end up with a pool full of kids. Let him watch yours and see if he’s ready for that.”

Shaking my head at the thought of returning to the single life makes me want to ditch Sebastian and run home. What was I thinking treating Kat this way?

“Thanks, man. I appreciate the talk. You’re right about everything. I have nothing to complain about.” I take one last bite of my sandwich before offering to settle up so I can go home to my wife. “Hell, it’s not like she’s asking for another kid or anything.”

CHAPTERELEVEN

Kat

Having crawled into bed immediately after putting the kids down, I managed to drift off to sleep quicker than anticipated considering the way Nick had left. We don’t often go to bed angry. I can’t honestly recall the last time one of us was upset with the other about anything. Well, unless you count the hurtsack Nick has been continually dealt each time he is inches from getting sex, just to have the rug yanked out from under him.

The kids went to sleep easily, all being worn out from the last twenty-four hours. Hopefully, if their virus is connected to the one I endured, they’ll be feeling fine by tomorrow. I should probably double-check with Rachel if she’s still okay taking them on, given their illnesses. She isn’t one for handling bodily fluids.

Unsure why I’m awake, given I don’t feel the urge to go to the bathroom, and I haven’t heard anyone crying out they are going to “fo up,” I start to turn toward the clock when I feel strong arms wrap around my waist and pull me close.Ah. That must be why I woke up.It’s like I could sense he was here. I rarely fall asleep without him, but the impact of seeing Mark on top of the long two days in the ER had taken a toll on me.

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